About the WH Marks Sattin Job Doctor

WH Marks Sattin is a specialist recruitment agency dealing with accountancy, finance, tax and consultancy professionals. This is our Job Doctor forum/blog.

Looking for a career change? Want some advice on which industries are good to get into at the moment?

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Looking for jobs in IT? Why not talk to our sister company Greythorn - specialist IT recruiter.




Tuesday, 5 January 2010

How do I make myself appealing for Investment Banking roles?

Dear Job Doctor,

I am a newly qualified CA and CTA frmo a Big4 firm. I have been based in a tax function for a little under 4yrs but am now looking to move into an IB. The roles I have been shown so far are predominantly PC and BA roles. My question is this: is it possible for someone with my qualifications and experience to get into trading/sales within an IB? If not, how would I go about making myself more appealing for such roles?

Many thanks.


Elan Diamond, a Manager from WH Marks Sattin replied:

Is it possible? Yes. However, you may find it a considerably harder to secure a position as this is incredibly popular and competitive area to get into. You will find that the main concern of many employers' is your commitment to this field. They will see that you have spent 3 years obtaining an accounting qualification , and question why you didn't join a training scheme with a bank within sales and trading when you first graduated. You will also need to think about your current salary expectations, as you will probably need to take a cut in salary to compete with the graduates all vying for similar sales and trading roles.

If you do have any additional questions,or would just like an informal chat please give me a call on 020 7321 5000

The value of a professional qualification (ACCA/CIMA) combined with experience

Dear Job Doctor,

I am 42 and and I have been working for an oil producing company in Middle East for the last 18 years. I started at clerical level and presently work as Senior Accounts Officer. I have reached the glass ceiling and further career progress in this company is not possible due to political/demographic reasons. I completed an MBA (Finance) program last year. I want to attain higher positions and responsibilities. Is my education and experience sufficient to get me to managerial level positions in oil industry? Should i try to attain other professional qualification like ACCA? Would it add enough value to my career prospects at this stage?

Thanks



A consultant in WH Marks Sattin's Commerce & Industry team replied:

A professional qualification (ACCA/CIMA) would add value to your CV - especially if you're looking for UK opportunities. 18 years experience within the oil industry is invaluable - so naturally your knowledge will be very attractive to this industry. With the market still so competitive, a professional accountancy qualification will undoubtedly make you more marketable as a candidate. This combined with your industry knowledge will definitely make your CV stronger.

All the best,
WH Marks Sattin

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